Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre

Built in 1775 as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland, the Castle is now the focal point for visitors to the forest. The Castle itself houses a series of exhibitions about the forest and its wildlife, together with an information centre, gift shop and licensed restaurant. New for 2010 is an osprey camera providing live footage of Northumberland's only nesting pair, an interactive red squirrel exhibition and a local history exhibition focussing on the bastles built during the 'Border Reivers' period. Upstairs in the visitor centre is the Duchess Gallery. The gallery is housed in the former sitting room of the Duke of Northumberland and plays host to the work of a different artist each month. Follow the link 'Art and Architecture' on the right hand side for more information on the current artist. Next to the Gallery is the classroom. This is available for hire and is often used for various workshops arranged by the Forestry Commission. The grounds include picnic sites, children's playground and the start of the Duke and Duchess walking trails. From here you can test your skills on the orienteering course and the start of the cycling trails, with a mountain bike skills loop. Within the grounds of the Castle is a work of art called Minotaur, which is a maze built of basalt stone and glass.There is also a bird viewing platform in the castle grounds.